Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1887-02-21

'Yes, and them
Then replied Maud with a sudden
inspiration, I'VE will let you go, If you
will go peaccably."
There was IA sound Of suppressed laugh,
ter at this. Then the voice rejoinetl
politely: Thanks. will give you any
assurances you require"
Maud went down TO the dining room,
where she busted herself in packing a
basket. After this, returning up stairs,
she called to her prisoner: "Mr.-Mr.
Folliott"'
'.Yes:"
':If You will open the closet you will Ind
a rope. Please let it down and we IL
send you up some supper"
The stranger obeyed, and a well 4 led
basket was soon lifted through the Sin,
dow into his room. Maud Hospitality
hoped he had everything he wished.
Thanks; not quite" was the delib
crate answer. IF | might ask for a
couple Of Toms cigars
Tom, indeed The wretchv' com,
mented Toms sister to herself Then,
aloud: "Oh, certainly, if You will let the
basket down again"
At this point Mrs. Estabrook remon-
strated. ''Really, Maud, that is toe
muchr'
''Oh, mamma, anything 10 keep him
quiet and good tempered" said Maud.
And you know he was 20 have taken tea
with us
But if he should burn the house down
smoking them;" anyiously suggested her
mother.
well. perhaps it's safer to give him
something TO use his matches with" an
swered Maud. with mastery stroke of
logic. And they always do have
matches" she concluded, indefinitely
Her reasoning carried Iie day, so the
cigars went up and the rope came down,
for this was Il point on which Maud was
firm. She had no intention of leaving
that rope in their burglarious visitors
possession.
The evening waned, and still there was
no sign of Peters return. Tie two ladies
did not dream Of sleeping, but kept watch
throughout the night in the room adjoin-
ing that of their prisoner, bracing them
selves with strong tea for their task. Ii
was weary work. however, and the min
utes crept slowly into the small hours.
The hall clock had just struck the quar-
ter before ,, when the silence of the
house was disturbed by little sound
which seemed preternaturally loud to
their strained ears. Mrs. Estabrook sat
erect To listen, while Maui, turned up the
Slinmering lamp. Again came the sound,
slight but distinct, scratch, scratch-1ile,
iiIe''
Maud. what is that nosesr said Mrs
EstabroOk. with the calmness Of despair.
Maud declined 10 commit herself prema-
turely.
MAUD. " said her mother, its down
at the piazza window. It's-it's a con
federate of that man in there, Oh, don
tell me, | know
Maud frowned thoughtfully HeI
mothers idea seemed only too plausible.
He'll get in and let the other one out"
pursued Mrs. EstabroOk, breathlessly,
land then they'll 30 through the house
and rob and murder us all Oh, dear,
Oh-hr
Don't, mamma, dear! pray don't"
entreated Maud, As the poor lady, over
whelIaed by her own picture. showed
signs of becoming hysterical. and uttered
several small screams. Upon this the oc-
cupant of the next room. who hitherto
had given no sign of life, began to kneck
on the door between the two chambers
Maud drew near, and the following con-
versation took place:
Miss Estabrook!''
''Yes"
Excuse me, hut is anything wrong;''
Maud hesitated. Mrs. 4,stabrook mean
time had checked herself and was hold
lag her breath TO listen. Receiving no
t,.a lt- 10
"What is that noise hear down stairs,"
''We don't know said Maud; but
But what? Is that what is alarming
you:'
Maud considered. 1--WE are afraid it is
ia burglar
"What! Another" exclaimed the stran-
ger. Then he checked himself. Don't
you think you'd better send me to dispose
cf him: he suggested. with an admirable
of the boldncss of innocence.
Maud sharply protested Mrs. Esta-
brook
lone moment, mamma" rejoined her
daughter, Il am not sure" She turned
to the door again. You are quite GER
tain he Is not an-an-an assistant of
yours;' she asked in the politest terms
she could select
''Let me out and you shall see. Upon
NY honor Here the words were lost
n stifled sound.
''Is the man laughing?' demanded Mrs
Estabrook in angry amaze; then, as n new
entered her mind: Maud, do
sou believe he is exactly in his right
nind?''
Il don't think he can be" Maud an
'wered doubtfrlly; but seeing her mothers
growing alarm she hastened 10 add: "Bnt
We evidently have Ii certain control over
lim. and-really, mamma, | don't know
Dut it would be better to let him drive the
,ther away. No. but hear me out. They
ant be accomplices, and if we must he in
he power of either, why, would much
ooner trust this on.- He is far superior
o ordinary burglars concluded Maud,
Nth fine air Of cOnnCiSseurship in this
,articular branch of the dangerous classes.
Her opinion, as usual, prevailed, and
feir prisoner was informed that if he
vould not move until Il given time he
would lie released. As he readily agreed
. the conditions the girl stole out into the
assaGe, turned the key very softly, and
hen few blCk into her own room, which
he locked IN hot haste. Here she knocked
n the inner door, and at the appointed
ign heard the young man dash through
he corridor and down stairs. There was
sound of rattling glass, an alteration Of |
oices. pistol shot and then brief |
'criod of suspense, during which the |
eartS of the two women stood still. Then |
teps returned along the passage, crossed |
Trough the next room, and stopped be- |
ide the door OF communication, where |
ap resounded.
Miss Estabrook, have come back"
aid a quiet voice.
And the--the mar,'' asked Maud, ,
'reathleSSly.
''Oh, | fancy he IL give yOn no more |
rouble. Judging from the groan heard |
S he beat "A retreat he wont t feel in spirits |
or any more of this business tonight"
We've are very much obliged TO |
-ou,n stammered Maud, rather at loss
What to say under the circumstances.
Not at all. II was pleasure to me-
lie was infringing on my rights, you
now
Silence followed, broken by another rap
Miss Estabrook, / am waiting to be
ocked in again
''Do you really mean began Maud.
n;,r, scr